We present experimental and theoretical investigations of a Gaussian laser beam interacting with Zeeman-tuned J=1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}J=0 atomic systems. In our experiment a single-mode cw dye-laser beam traverses a neon discharge in a longitudinal magnetic field. The excited neon transitions used for these studies are 1 ${\mathit{s}}_{4}$ (J=1,g=1.464)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2 ${\mathit{p}}_{3}$ (J=0) and 1 ${\mathit{s}}_{2}$ (J=1,g=1.034)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2 ${\mathit{p}}_{1}$ (J=0). In the laser-induced forward-scattered light, dark and bright ring-shaped structures are observed. The ring structures are investigated as a function of the magnetic detuning of the m=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 sublevels and as a function of the laser-beam power. We find that the line shapes of the spectra, i.e., the forward-scattered light intensities as a function of the magnetic detuning, are sensitive to the transverse intensity distribution of the laser beam. Analytical expressions based on a semiclassical theory are derived and the calculated results on the ring structures and the spectra are compared with the experimental results. Good agreement between the calculated and the experimental results are obtained only when the transverse effects are taken into account.We present experimental and theoretical investigations of a Gaussian laser beam interacting with Zeeman-tuned J=1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}J=0 atomic systems. In our experiment a single-mode cw dye-laser beam traverses a neon discharge in a longitudinal magnetic field. The excited neon transitions used for these studies are 1${\mathit{s}}_{4}$(J=1,g=1.464)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2${\mathit{p}}_{3}$(J=0) and 1${\mathit{s}}_{2}$(J=1,g=1.034)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2${\mathit{p}}_{1}$(J=0). In the laser-induced forward-scattered light, dark and bright ring-shaped structures are observed. The ring structures are investigated as a function of the magnetic detuning of the m=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 sublevels and as a function of the laser-beam power. We find that the line shapes of the spectra, i.e., the forward-scattered light intensities as a function of the magnetic detuning, are sensitive to the transverse intensity distribution of the laser beam. Analytical expressions based on a semiclassical theory are derived and the calculated results on the ring structures and the spectra are compared with the experimental results. Good agreement between the calculated and the experimental results are obtained only when the transverse effects are taken into account.

Physical Review AAug 1, 19934 citations

Transverse intensity distribution of forward-scattered laser light

Birger Stahlberg, Peter Jungner, Tomas Fellman

An important effect to be considered in forward-scattering experiments is demonstrated. Ring-shaped structures are observed in the transverse intensity distribution of the forward-scattered light induced by an intense CW single-mode dye laser in an excited neon system. These structures depend upon the laser detuning from the absorber line centre, the magnetic field strength and the neon gas pressure. A preliminary interpretation of the phenomenon is given and its consequences for the interpretation of forward-scattering spectra are pointed out.An important effect to be considered in forward-scattering experiments is demonstrated. Ring-shaped structures are observed in the transverse intensity distribution of the forward-scattered light induced by an intense CW single-mode dye laser in an excited neon system. These structures depend upon the laser detuning from the absorber line centre, the magnetic field strength and the neon gas pressure. A preliminary interpretation of the phenomenon is given and its consequences for the interpretation of forward-scattering spectra are pointed out.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical PhysicsJul 14, 19902 citations

Nonlinear Resonant Light Scattering by a Diatomic System

B. B. Averbukh, I. B. Averbukh

Russian Physics JournalMay 29, 20130 citations

Magneto-Optic Spectroscopy on Neon Using Laser-Induced Forward Scattering

Åsa Marie Lindberg

The forward-scattered light observed when a single-mode dye laser interacts with the three neon transitions 1 s 5 ( J = 2)-2 p s ( J = 2), 1s 3 ( J = 0)-2 p 5 ( J = 1), and 1 s 4 ( J = 1)-2 p 7 ( J = 1) has been investigated as an applied longitudinal magnetic field is varied. The 1 s 5 and the 1 s 3 states are metastable. This condition allows a comparison of the spectra for the cases 1 s 5 ( J = 2)-2 p 8 ( J = 2) and 1 s 3 ( J = 0)-2 p 5 ( J = 1) in order to discuss whether the complex line shapes obtained for the J = 2 to J = 2 atomic system are due to higher-order coherences or whether they originate from coherences between m = ±1 states. Experimental and calculated line shapes are presented. The calculations have been performed with the use of a semiclassical model for the light/matter interaction. A J = 0 to J = 1 (or a J = 1 to J = 1) model reproduces the overall shapes of the recorded spectra for all three transitions. The results show that, even when laser beam spatial effects and the sample isotopic effects are taken into account, interpretations of forward-scattering spectra in order to determine atomic parameters can reliably be done for simple J = 0 to J = 1 systems only.The forward-scattered light observed when a single-mode dye laser interacts with the three neon transitions 1 s 5 ( J = 2)-2 p s ( J = 2), 1s 3 ( J = 0)-2 p 5 ( J = 1), and 1 s 4 ( J = 1)-2 p 7 ( J = 1) has been investigated as an applied longitudinal magnetic field is varied. The 1 s 5 and the 1 s 3 states are metastable. This condition allows a comparison of the spectra for the cases 1 s 5 ( J = 2)-2 p 8 ( J = 2) and 1 s 3 ( J = 0)-2 p 5 ( J = 1) in order to discuss whether the complex line shapes obtained for the J = 2 to J = 2 atomic system are due to higher-order coherences or whether they originate from coherences between m = ±1 states. Experimental and calculated line shapes are presented. The calculations have been performed with the use of a semiclassical model for the light/matter interaction. A J = 0 to J = 1 (or a J = 1 to J = 1) model reproduces the overall shapes of the recorded spectra for all three transitions. The results show that, even when laser beam spatial effects and the sample isotopic effects are taken into account, interpretations of forward-scattering spectra in order to determine atomic parameters can reliably be done for simple J = 0 to J = 1 systems only.

Applied SpectroscopyDec 1, 19941 citation

Forward scattering of monochromatic laser light revisited

Suzanne Giraud-Cotton, V.Paul Kaftandjian, Lewis S. Klein

Physics Letters AAug 1, 19824 citations

{\mathit{s}}_{4}

(J=1,g=1.464)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2

{\mathit{p}}_{3}

(J=0) and 1

{\mathit{s}}_{2}

(J=1,g=1.034)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2

{\mathit{p}}_{1}

(J=0). In the laser-induced forward-scattered light, dark and bright ring-shaped structures are observed. The ring structures are investigated as a function of the magnetic detuning of the m=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 sublevels and as a function of the laser-beam power. We find that the line shapes of the spectra, i.e., the forward-scattered light intensities as a function of the magnetic detuning, are sensitive to the transverse intensity distribution of the laser beam. Analytical expressions based on a semiclassical theory are derived and the calculated results on the ring structures and the spectra are compared with the experimental results. Good agreement between the calculated and the experimental results are obtained only when the transverse effects are taken into account.